KOTA KINABALU: The Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) requested the ban on the book on the late Datuk Peter Mojuntin entitled "The Golden Son of the Kadazan" be lifted so that happiness will radiate in the villages.
Kadazandusun paramount leader, Huguan Siou, said that lifting the ban on the book was among the 'wishes' which he hoped that the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would consider looking into.
"The Golden Son of the Kadazan", which was written by the late former politician and author Bernard Sta Maria, was banned on June 22, 1978, under the now-abolished Internal Security Act (ISA) 1960.
It was reported that, despite the ISA being repealed in 2012, the ban on the book was still maintained as the then government perceived that it was still a threat to national interest and security.
In 2015, then Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the book was banned because it contained "extreme criticisms of the federal government, including claims that the government made hasty decisions in the state".
Pairin also requested senatorship for KDCA, funding for the HS Education and Charitable Foundation and tax exemption for the foundation.
"Your presence and willingness to be together with us today, is very much appreciated and welcomed for you are the "ubat" and the "medicine" that we have been praying for to cure and overcome our problems in Sabah.
"And in a small way to cure and solve our needs and requests in and through 'persatuan' KDCA," he said at the KDCA hall in Penampang in conjunction with the Kaamatan festival.
He also hoped the presence of the Prime Minister on this event, it is hoped that it would translate to Sabah's fights for its rights including the 40 per cent net revenue owed to the state would be returned.
Pairin said these rights were like the wounds of the communities in Sabah, which needed to be tended to and given the right medications.
"Now that the Kaamatan festival is going national KDCA wishes to connect with the federal government as well so that the spirit of cooperation and understanding will continue moving forward towards the common goal of unity, friendship and economic prosperity together.
"KDCA wishes to continue moving positively forward so that the community will not be left behind," he said.